All Blog Posts, Japan Geography

Chugoku Region of Japan – An Unseen Rural Beauty for Travelers Near and Far

Chugoku Region of Japan – An Unseen Rural Beauty for Travelers Near and Far

Enriched with unseen magnificence and least explored beauty, Chugoku is located in the western border of Honshu. Chugoku (中国地方, Chūgoku Chihō) covers prefectures Hiroshima and Okayama are well known for its history whereas Yamaguchi, Shimane and Tottori are rear stopover by most of the Japan’s travelers.

It’s rather easy to see how this area of Japan, “Chugoku” was given it’s name, Chuu mean Middle and Koku turns to Goku under Japanese rendaku which means “Middle of Country” which as you can see it literally is the middle of Japan, however it is interesting to note that the word Chuugoku also means China. Throughout Japans history it was alienated into various provinces known as Koku that was further divided based on supremacy and distance from the main island Kansai. This was through Japanese civil war “Sengoku” of the 1467 to 1615 where you would have ruling parties trying to gain control of the area through the use of samurai and ninja tactics.

If you are willing to take a break from the norm like visiting places like Kyoto and Tokyo. Then I highly recommend visiting the tranquil coastal regions in the south of Chugoku. The inland sea separates the three of five main inland’s i.e. Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu in Japan and is a main source of trading and transportation across sea routes.

Many fantastic tourist location abound in Chugoku like onsen/hot springs, fishing & sailing spots as well as water sports like sea kayaking. Of course you can’t discount the incredible sea views and Mount Ishizuchi (which is the highest mountain in western Japan).

One of Bitchu Kokubunji temples. Okayama, Okayama Prefecture, Chūgoku region, Japan.

Chugoku also has some of the best foods you can sample while in middle Japan. You will find most of the seafood and local cuisine made of vegetables and Tofu. Some of the best appetizing food that will ever hit your taste buds:

  • Hiroshima Okonomiyaki (Hiroshima)
  • Izumo Soba (Shimane)
  • Fruit Parfait
  • Bara-Zushi (Okayama)
  • Matsuba Gani (Tottori)
  • Tecchiri (Yamaguchi)
  • Kaki no Dotenabe (Hiroshima)
  • Tofu Chikuwa (Tottori)

One of the Chugoku prefecture, Hiroshima prefecture due to its tragic past of the Atomic bomb blast in 1945 has now become a popular metropolitan city which now attracts many visitors (similarly as does Nagasaki in Kyushu). Sparing extra time, travelers also love to visit Okayama prefecture which is famous for Korakuen (Japan’s Top Landscape Gardens). Next subsequent location to look into is Kurashiki, which a gorgeous city known for momentous fort and some of the biggest marketplace in Japan.

Shimane prefecture is enclosed with the coastal region surrounded by Sea of Japan. Renowned for its ancient castles like Izumo-taisha, which is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, and Tokugawa-era Matsue Castle. In its close proximity, you will find Iwami Ginzan complex known as World Heritage spot. Adding more zeal, visit the historic buildings which were used by silver miners in ancient times.

Okayama, Okayama Prefecture, Chūgoku region, Japan.

Tottori prefecture is covered with heavy sand regions across the coastal area of the Sea of Japan. Tottori also is covered with 50 meter high sand dunes as well, which appeals to travelers. Due to ample sand in the area, activities like camel riding and sand boarding has become popular among the locals and foreigners to the area.

Last but not the least; Yamaguchi prefecture is a land of Natural Parks as written below:

  • Setonaikai National Park
  • Akiyoshidai
  • Kita-Nagato Kaigan
  • Nishi-Chūgoku Sanchi
  • Quasi-National Parks
  • Chōmonkyō
  • Iwakiyama
  • Rakanzan

There are a number of festivals celebrated in Chugoku area that are famous for lights and traditional dance. A few of matsuri (festival) are below:

  • Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima: Kangensai Festival
  • Kochi City, Kochi: Yosakoi Matsuri
  • Tokushima: Awa Odori
  • Niihama, Ehime: Taiko Festival
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All Blog Posts, Japan Geography

Fukui, Japan – Sightseeing, History and More

Fukui, Japan – Sightseeing, History and More

Fukui- A Hidden Gem of Japan 

Bordered by heavy peaks and situated near the Sea of Japan, Fukui city is located in Fukui Prefecture with an estimated population of 264,217. Though Fukui is among the least visited places, it doesn’t let its charm down. Those who love to hunt on mountain shore and forest area would love to spend some days here.

In ancient times, Fukui was inhibited by Echizen people who refurbished Fukui as a castle town. It is believed that during War Era, Fukui was ruled by the Asakura clan, and then he was conquered by Oda Nobunaga, and his castles were ruined. Only Maruoka Castle persisted without being destroyed and became a popular castle among the twelve original castles in Japan. In 1889, this city was again renovated with new municipality rules to gain its modern appeal.

Every year, Fukui experiences the four major seasons- winter, spring, summer, and autumn. In winters, while facing cold winds, beautiful flower blossoms, especially daffodils that cover the whole Echizen coastline, gain most of tourism this time. In the spring season, Cheery trees blossom along the Asuwa River bank approximately stretches to 2 km covering the central part of the city. This site is believed to be one of the top 100 Cheery blossoms seeing-spot in Japan. You can enjoy Fukui’s beautiful island Mizushima on the tip of the Tsuruga Peninsula in the summers. This island covers clear blue water and beaches, mostly bursting with beach lovers, families, and couples. Last! Autumn fences with natural beauty, especially on man-made Kuzuryu Lake, which shows the lovely autumn leaves in water. The surface of this emerald green lake changes its colors depending on the season.

Moreover, Fukui is the premium spot where you find

  • Eiheji Temple: Eiheji Temple, “The temple of Eternal Peace,” is located in Fukui. The temple is the main headquarter of Zen Buddhism, where Zen practices are mainly followed to earn internal peace.
  • Fukui Dinosaur Museum: Japan’s leading dinosaur museum is committed to the research and education of Dinosaurs. More than 40 dinosaur skeletons available, and regular paleontologists’ study makes it the largest of its kind in Japan.
  • Maruoka Castle: This castleis among the twelve castles that survived after Era of war. It stands on small hills north of Fukui and is surrounded by small museums that display shields, armor, and various other items belonging to the early masters of Maruoka Castle.
  • Yokokan Garden: In the Edo period, this Garden was famous with the name ‘Osensui’. In the Meiji period, this Garden was named Yokokan and was believed to build last by Yoshinori, the 7th lord.

Echizen soba:

The top culinary dish that sparks your tongue in Fukui is Echizen soba consisting of buckwheat noodles garnish with grated Japanese radish, spring onion, and some soy-based sauce. The reason for getting this famous local dish is due to the heavy production of buckwheat in Fukui. Due to enough water resources and suitable weather conditions, Fukui is a prime producer of buckwheat here.

A few more interesting note about Fukui:

  • Fukui seems to have one of the the largest dinosaur museum in whole of Japan, and apparently this land of dinosaur relics
  • Fukui also produces around 90% of all the glasses (eye) sold in Japan.

Festivals in Fukui:

  • Tsuruga Festival
  • Houze Festival
  • Takefu Chrysanthemum Figures Festival
  • Iris Festival
  • Echizen Asakura Mantoya Lightup
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